Richardson Hitchins says he would like to make his first defense of his IBF light welterweight title against Devin Haney next. Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) thinks a fight between him and Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) would make big numbers on PPV because of the people involved and his father, Bill Haney, who talked a lot disorder to achieve. interested boxing fans.
Last Saturday, Hitchins dethroned IBF 140-lb champion Liam Paro (25-1, 15 KOs), beating him by a 12-round split decision on December 7 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Callout
Hitchins says that Haney has told him in the past that if he gets his hands on a world title, he will fight. Now that he has a belt, he wants Haney to back up what he said. However, Devin’s father Bill revealed today that he will be taking a year off and won’t be back in action for a while. He says Devin wants to rest.
It’s already been seven months since his 12-round majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20, and it’s believed he’ll wait until his only stoppage before fighting. Haney takes no chances to stay busy and potentially beat. That would have ruined things for him in terms of the rematch with Garcia.
Hitchins will have to look in another direction because Haney is not going to fight. If he can get the washed up George Kambosos, it wouldn’t be a bad fight. The little “Emperor” has failed to do anything since his upset victory over Teofimo Lopez in 2021 and is seen as a one-hit wonder. However, he can still talk about his battles, and his Aussie fans still follow him.
“I like Devin Haney. I think it would be a great PPV fight. I think the numbers would be good because there would be so many people involved,” said Richardson Hitchins to Fighthype about wanting to fight Devin Haney next.
“I talk a lot of shit, and Devin’s dad (Bill Haney) talks a lot of shit. I feel like the best fighter. Before I was a champion, Devin told me, ‘You got a belt first, and then we can fight.” Well, now I’ve got a belt. Why not fight a world champion? If he’s going to stay at 140, why not fight me?”
“Let’s make a great fight. On a business note, though. This fight would make more sense in another fight or two, but I’m going to do it now. I want to be as big as possible. I’m already world champion, and he’s tasted the success at the highest level when it comes to sports.
“So now that I’m a world champion, I have something to bring to the table that builds a fight. If not, a unification with (WBA welterweight champion Jose) Rayo (Valenzuela), Teofimo, or any of the other champions would be a great fight.
“George Kambosos is a big name and someone who talks shit. We have to sell the fight. If it can happen, that’s what it is,” said Hitchins.
